How to install the main browser on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi is hard to change the default browser and what to do about it

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their aggressive policy toward preinstalled apps. The Mi Browser is not only integrated deeper than most of its peers, but also actively resists replacement — even after installing Chrome, Firefox or Opera, links still open in their native browser. The reason lies in the peculiarities of Android for Chinese manufacturers: Xiaomi uses a modified version of the Android “App Links” service, where priority is given to system applications regardless of user choice.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to make another browser the main one, from standard MIUI settings to circumventing restrictions through ADB and third-party utilities. The methods are tested on devices with MIUI 12-15 (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Xiaomi 12/13/14). If you find that after installing Chrome links still open in Mi Browser, here you will find a solution.

Before you start, consider that some methods require developer rights or unlock the bootloader. We have marked such cases with warnings so you can assess the risks. Also check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone – this depends on the availability of certain features.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

The most obvious (but not always working) method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It works for most modern models, but can crash on older versions of the shell (below MIUI 12.5).

1. Open Settings and go to the Applications → Application Management section.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on the browser and select the desired application from the list (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, it does not support default link processing.

• 🔄 Update your browser via Google Play – sometimes the problem is solved after the update.
• 📱 Reinstall the browser by pre-clearing the cache in Settings → Annexes → [Browser name] → Warehouse.
• 🛠️ Use an alternative method (see Methods 2-5 below).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The default application may not be available. In this case, proceed to Method 4 (ADB).

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If after changing the browser links still open in Mi Browser, try to manually select the browser when you first open the link - Android should offer a dialog of choice.

Method 2: Use of a third-party application "Default App Manager"

If standard MIUI settings ignore your choice, the Default App Manager utility from WindySoft will help. It bypasses manufacturer restrictions and allows you to manually assign the default browser. The application does not require root rights, but you need developer rights (how to enable them - see the section below).

Instructions:

1. Download Default App Manager from Google Play.
2. Open the application and provide access to the Application Settings (a permission request will appear).
3. In the list, find the Browser and tap it.
4. Select the browser you want (such as Chrome) and confirm the choice.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It even works on MIUI limited-set.
• 📱 Supports changing other applications by default (for example, launcher or SMS).
• 🔄 You can quickly return the settings to the factory.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After using Default App Manager, browser selection may be reset after rebooting. In this case, combine the method with setting through ADB.

Include developer rights|Download the app from Google Play|Provide access to settings|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Method 3: Configure through developer rights (for power users)

If the previous methods didn't work, you can try disabling the Mi Browser through the developer menu, which requires carefulness, because the wrong actions can lead to system failures.

First, turn on the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version until the notification appears You became a developer!

Now turn off the Mi Browser:

1. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer (or System → Advanced Settings → Developers on new versions).
2. Find the option to Disable Mi Browser (on some firmware it is hidden - use the search by settings).
3. Activate the switch and confirm the action.

After that:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – it’s a must to apply the changes.
• 📱 Install an alternative browser (if you haven’t already done so).
• 🔧 Repeat Method 1 – now the browser selection must be saved.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China ROM Disabling Mi Browser can cause errors in the operation of system services (for example, com.miui.system). If after the reboot there are lags, return the settings back.

Method 4: Configure with ADB (for advanced users)

If all previous methods failed, the most reliable (but also the most difficult) method is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that allows you to manually prioritize your browser at the system level, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB-tool.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (see Method 3).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Run the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome
4. To reset all application settings by default, use: adb shell cmd package clear-defaults com.android.chrome

List of packages of popular browsers:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• 🎭 Opera: com.opera.browser
• 🛡️ Brave: com.brave.browser

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI after-use ADB You may reset your browser choice after you update your system. To avoid this, repeat the command after each update.

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ADB is the only method that is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI, including Chinese firmware (China ROM).

Method 5: Remove Mi Browser through System Application Uninstaller

The last step is to remove the Mi Browser completely from your device, a radical method that is only suitable if you do not plan to use system functions that depend on this browser (for example, Quick Apps or Mi Video).

• 🔧 Root rights or unlocked bootloader.
• 📱 Application for uninstallation of system applications (for example, System App Remover or Titanium Backup).

Instructions:

1. Install System App Remover.
2. Give the application root access (if requested).
3. Find com.android.browser (this is the Mi Browser package).
4. Click Delete and confirm the action.

After removal:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – it’s a must.
• 📱 Install an alternative browser (if not already done).
• ⚠️ Check the health of system applications – some features (such as Mi Account) may fail.

⚠️ Note: Remove Mi Browser on devices with MIUI China ROM This may result in loss of functionality of Xiaomi services (e.g. cloud storage or registration themes). ROM) risk.

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Before you delete your system browser, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore your phone if something goes wrong.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔄 The firmware version is on MIUI 12 and below can be very restrictive.
• 📱 Firmware region - to China ROM It is more difficult to change system settings.
• 🔧 Updates – sometimes the problem is solved after the update MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions